i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
t ,f "o"^'^T^ ] — 

^|lMp.v....:-: loroiigtrf ||b 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



ll^oi^L, CL 



BIBLE EVERGREENS 



CHRISTMAS. 



^r- 

BY HARRIET MALLARD 



" How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God ! therefore the children 
of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings," — Psalm xxxvi : 7. 



nCn 



NEW YORK: J 
BAKER <fe GODWIN, PRINTERS, 

PRINTING-HOUSE SQUAKE. 

1872. 







Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

HARRIET MALLARD, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



BIBLE EYERGREENS. 



A Saviour which is Christ the Lord ! 
Seraphic notes proclaim the word, 
Angels of light His godhead own, 
And from the high eternal Throne 
Annonnce the long-expected One — 
The great Jeliovah's mighty Son, 
A glorious Prince, to be adored — 
A Saviour which is Christ the Lord. 

The Son of God, to sinners given ; 

Glory to Him in highest Heaven ; 

New joys immortal now have birth. 

Good will to men and peace on earth, 

This natal day of holy things ; 

We've tidings born on heavenly wings — 

Let every soul the. song record 

A Saviour which is Christ the Lord. 

It dawned for bliss this welcome day ; 

He comes ! the life, the truth, the way. 

The great efficient sacrifice, 

The one that love divine supplies. 

To ransom from the powxr of sin, 

A crown unfading he shall win 

For all that choose his ways, his w^ords ; 

This Savioiir, He is Christ the Lord. 



BIBLE EVERaREENS 



Wii %« fe WW' 



The spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said, Let 
there be light, and there was light." 

Athwart the broad chaotic night 
A voice is heard : let there be light ; 
And darkness, with relinquished rein, 
To lucid beauty yields the plain. 



Let there be light ; an orb of jS.re — 
A globe of glory — bids retire 
The shades that wrapped this earthly ball 
Around, as by some ebon pall. 

Let there be light ; creation's bloom 
Smiles out from void and sightless gloom. 
Let there be light ; the lovely queen 
Of eve her placid face is seen. 

Let there be light ; of spirit power, 
'T has come at God's appointed hour. 
Let there be light ; a star appears — 
'Tis Bethlehem's Star — the hope of years. 

'Now on the long bewildered sight 
It sheddeth rays, redeeming — bright ; 
It luminates the path — the way 
That leadeth to eternal day. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 



" And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his ofifering." 

Mercy, with heaving bosom, stood 
There by that altar, bathed in blood, 
Where first the '^ righteous Abel " lies — 
The typifying sacrifice. 

The mystic flood, the crimson stream, 
It shadows forth that darling theme 
Which filled her gentle beaming eye ; 
There, the Immortal Fountain nigh. 

When love divine a " ransom found," 
By which the sinner, lost and bound, 
Should be redeemed, and saved, and shriven, 
And find Eternal Life in Heaven. 

There iist'ning, while on hallow^ed air, 
Faith pours the early trustful prayer. 
She sees the savoury incense rise. 
Accepted far above the skies. 

We read it in symbolic lines 

Of what that Counsel Fligh designs, 

Of the triumphant glorious reign 

Of One from " The Foundation slain." 



1* 



BIBLE EVERGREENS 



" I will not leave you comfortless." 

I will not leave you comfortless ! 

Oh, precious heavenly word. 
I will not leave you comfortless, 

Thus saith our gracious Lord. 

'Twas on the last sad evening 
In which he was betrayed, 

To the beloved disciples — 
Some doubting — all afraid : 

" Let not your heart be troubled," 

For you I will prepare. 
And yet know the way that leadeth * 

To the heavenly mansions fair. 

It is for this I'm going 

To prepare a place for you, 

And I'll come and will receive you — 
My glory you shall view. 

" I will not leave you comfortless ;" 

Ask, ever in my name ; 
I am the Mediator, 

I will present your claim, 

To my Father ever merciful, 

He ne'er will thee deny ; 
Ask in the name of Jesus 

And mercy shall be nigh. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 



I will not leave you joyless — 
I'll send him to abide — 

The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, 
With richest gifts supplied. 

E'ow, if you love the Father, 
And Jesus Christ the Son, • 

And God the Holy Spirit, 
Thy heaven is now hegiin. 

Keep faithful my commandment ; 

Keep, ever keep my word. 
Then he that dwelleth with you 

Shall be your guide and guard. 

Keep this, my new commandment. 
And love each other too. 

Then, the all-sufficient Comforter 
Shall always be with you. 



Jesus said, I am the resurrection and tlie life, he that believeth in me, 
though he were dead, 3'^et shall he live." 

Jesus wept — 
Though strong to save, 
Then called the sleeper 
From the grave ; 
With godlike voice, 
Divine and loud, 
He claimed of death 
The youthful prey ; 



BIBLE EYEEaEEE]SrS 



His inightj bars 
He bursts away, 
Lo ! Lazarus wrapt 
In burial shroud. 

The scoffer, now 

With dread surprise ; 

Sees at His call the dead arise 

And leave the dark abode ; 

And many there 

The word believed, 

And Christ, the Xazarene received. 

And owned the Son of God I 



Wail) Cfjrrsl is ^iUabb^. 

" And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy 
kingdom." "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say tmto thee, to-day shalt 
thou be with me in Paradise. 

The conflict now with justice, stern. 

And death, its close is near ; 
The malefactor's fainting heart — 

'Tis perishing in fear ; 
The heavens above his guilty head 

Frown everlasting night, 
While memory's page of sin — of crime — 

Is black before his sight. 
And earth with callous, tearless eye, 

Upon the sword, hath smiled, 
That mortal baud thus holds severe 

To pierce her fallen child. 



rOJR CHRISTMAS. 



Sacred compassion standeth near, 

And claimetli to preside, 
That for the sufferer's penitence, 

A space she may provide. 
Love, everlasting love divine, 

'Twas thine alone — the power — 
Contrition timely to bestow 

At the expiring hour. 
Grace, sovereign, saving, heavenly grace. 

Was pleased then to attest 
Its own supreme efficiency 

To make the vilest blest. 
The hopeless, dying one his need 

'Tis given him deep to feel. 
And faith to cry — to look to Him 

Who can his pardon seal. 
Jesus, the mighty Son of God, 

Responsive to his prayer. 
He saith. To-day in Paradise, 

Thou shalt be with me there. 



t^l^e gtitnj gtaitsbiTS. 



In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have 
told you." 

Saviom', yes, thou wonldst have told ns 

If thy Father's house had place 
!N'ot for us — the earth-worn, weary. 

Saved by thy triumphant grace. 



10 BIBLE EVEEGKEENS 

Faitli descrietli now tlie mansions 

"Where thy ransomed soon shall rest — 

Bowers of holy light and beauty 

Which thy loving hand hath dressed — 

Everlasting habitations 

Heady waiting there to greet 

All that in the heavenly kingdom 
Ask through Christ, a share — a seat. 

Glorified, divine Redeemer, 

Hope hath triumphed o'er the gloom 

Once that tried our fainting spirit, 
Resting on the grave — the tomb. 

Son of God ! that upper temple, 
Luminated now by Thee — 

We believe its bliss eternal 

Thou hast willed that we shall see. 



If the Son shall make you free, then shall you be free indeed. 

Son of God, the price to free — 
Faith beholds it — paid by thee ; 
What eternal wisdom willed, 
Jesus, thou hast now fulfilled. 

Thou from the foundation slain. 
Thou in Zion chosen, lain — 
Heaven's appointed corner stone, 
Here as our Emanuel known. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. H 



Thou liast made iis free, indeed ; 
Thou dost with the Father plead — 
All-sufficient sacrifice — 
Slain with thee, with thee we rise. 

Wake we from the sleep of sin 
Strong in thee, the crown to win 
Of life— and by thy saving power 
Find we now Thy name a tower. 



God, the mighty, great, and wise. 

Omnipresent Lord of power. 
Reigning, ruling earth and skies — 

Life sustaining every hour, 
Giver of creation's breath, 

Center of the world above. 
He that holds the keys of death 

Is the God of deathless love. 

Holy justice, stern, severe. 
Claiming every title still ; 

When He came the sad to cheer — 
Great Redeemer, to fulfill 

All the pleasure of the Lord, 
Price he offered that may prove 

That which claimed the long award- 
That may witness " God is Love." 

God of mercy, truth, and peace, 
Come and sanctify this heart; 



12 BIBLE EVERGREENS 

Bid these gloomy fears to cease — ■ 

Give assurance of a part 
With the blessed Prince of Life ; 

Come, thou ever-kindly dove ; 
Thou canst end all doubt and strife — 

Thou canst witness " God is Love." 

King of Kings, before whose throne 

Heavenly hosts their crowns they cast ; 
He who is the Lord alone — 

Great, Eternal, First and Last ; 
Holy Judge of quick and dead. 

At whose voice the pillars move 
Of the universe He spread, 

Calls His name the " God of Love." 



" Salvation belongeth unto the Lord." 

Poor doubting, fearing, trembling soul, 

Benighted where the blast 
Is threatening loud thy shivering bark. 

Come, and thy anchor cast, 
Where waves of wrath — -of death and sin 

Obey the mighty voice 
Of Jesus, who controls the storm — 

Make now this port your choice. 

When moored within this haven fair 

All clouds shall disappear ; 
" The Christ," the Sun of Righteousness, 

Thy fainting soul will cheer ; 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 13 



The ternpest-toss'd on sorrow's sea 

Sliall find, for every ill, 
An all-suflScient, perfect cure, 

When bending to His will. 

Before the highest throne of heaven 

They chant this blissful song ; 
The saved by grace, the justified, 

The happy, ransomed throng — 
To Christ the Lord, our righteousness, 

Belongs eternal praise ; 
He only hath salvation, 

This ancient one of days. 



We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who ever 
liveth to make intercession for us." 

Sorrowing one, dismiss thy fear. 

Let the Word thy spirit cheer ; 

Jesus, Advocate, in love 

Pleads thy cause in courts above ; 

Christ, the Mediator, there 

Counts thy tears — he hears thy prayer ; 

Great High Priest, within the vail 

Ofiering that which shall prevail. 

And acceptance find for thee. 

And secure thy pardon free ; 

Holy incense, all divine. 

Richer far than rubic mine — 



14: BIBLE EVEEGKEENS 

Sacred drops — with sovereign power 
They demand a plenteous shower — 
Shower of all-sufficient grace 
Sprinkling for the fallen race. 

All that turn and look shall live, 
Life and hope are his to give ; 
An Advocate at God's right hand 
Doth thy pardon full demand ; 
He the hopeless debt for thee 
Paid — and now he saith, be free — 
Free to share my pardoning love 
And the mansions built above ; 
Now, behold the open door ; 
Enter ye, and fear no more. 



Having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them to the end." 

Jesus, the holy Son of God, 

The hopeless sinner's friend. 
While dwelling with liumanity 

He loved — ^loved to the end. 

"When that dark hour was nearing 
When crimson drops should stain 

The sod of sad Gethsemane, 
That witnessed to his pain, 

His more than mortal agony 
When He the cup received 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 15 



And drank, tliat so the captive 
Of death should be reprieved ; 

While envy, wrath and mockery 
Their voices loudly blend, 

He loved His own — this Saviour — 
He loved them to the end. 

Come, now, ye sorrowing, doubting, 
And at his cross low bend ; 

He'll succour, save and pardon. 
And love thee to the end. 

Have shafts of cruel hatred 

Thy spirit grieved and riven — 
'No ear of human sympathy 

To thee been lent or given ? 
Then to this Mediator 

Thy deepest woes reveal — 
Thy care, thy grief, infirmity, 

He liveth now to feel. 
The clouds that frown and threaten 

He will in mercy rend ; 
Gome, prayerfully, and trust him 

That loveth to the end. 



Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 

"Worship the Lord 
With holy contrition ; 

Bow low at his feet 
In perfect submission ; 



16 BIBLE EYERGKEENS 

Come, bring to liis altar 
The pure sacrifice — 

The heart that is humble 
He freely supplies. 

"With graces and beauties, 

And heavenly delight 
That ravish the soul 

And the spirit invite 
Away to the mansions, 

The blissful abode 
Prepared for the people — 

The children of God. 

O ! worship the Lord 

In beauty, in truth — 
The strength of the aged, 

The guide of the youth ; 
The ever-blest Father 

And Son glorify. 
And the Holy Spirit 

That bringeth so nigh. 

The perfect salvation, 

A cure for our fear — 
The word that enlightens 

Our darkness so drear ; 
The glorious Trinity 

Worship and adore 
In the beauty of holiness 

Now and evermore. 



FOK CHRISTMAS. 17 



Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable 
in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." 

'Now from every earthly refuge, 

Saviour, I would turn to Thee ; 
Thou my strength and my Eedeemer, 

Deign my darkened soul to free — 
Break the yoke of heavy bondage — 

Unbelief — and bid retire 
All but min'string spirits holy. 

Angels, such as shall inspire 
Heaven accepted meditations ; 

Let my words but speak thy praise, 
And let thy indwelling spirit 

Give me songs of love to raise ; 
Indite for me my petitions 

When before thy throne I come ; 
Guide me ever by thy presence, 

Bring me gently, safely home. 



'Mi on i^i frair. 

Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy heart." 

Christian, from thy fear and trembling, 

Rise, and to that altar fly, 
Where the heart, when brought an offering, 

" Saving health " it findeth nigh ; 
Grace divine, and all-sufficient. 

There shall bid thy soul be strong 



18 BIBLE EYERGKEENS 

When, at Mercy's footstool waiting, 
Hope and joy shall be thy song ; 

Wait, and thou shalt find thy helmet, 
That which shall not fade or fail, 

And entire thy mail — thy armor — 
That which shall thy need avail. 



The needy shall not always be forgotten ; the expectation of the poor shall 
not perish forever," 

All thy hopes they shall not perish. 

Child of poverty and care. 
Heaven thy fainting heart will cherish, 

Let thy trust be centred there. 

Ever mindful of the sparrow ; 

Sooner such will Grod forget, 
Than his poor, when want and sorrow 

May their pilgrim path beset. 

Now thy unbelief dismissing, 

Bid the morrow's empty board 
Wait, nor ask to-day the service 

Which the dawn may see restored. 

Expectations — fondest, dearest — 

Are they at the point to die ? 
Clouds surcharged that now thou fearest 

Mercy bid, may pass thee by. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 19 



For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous ; with favor wilt thou compass him 
as with a shield." 

With the heavenly favor shielded, 

Servants of the Lord of life, 
Though the storms of danger thicken, 

Pass they safe the bounds of strife. 

Mercy there the portal keepeth, 
Where the righteous seeketh rest, 

Pity there, she never sleepeth 
When the justful are oppressed. 

Love's own fount that faileth never, 

Springing holy ever free. 
Shall their need supply forever. 

Here and through eternity. 



, d iotfl an xxnio (§0tr, 

I will cry unto God most high, unto God that performeth all things for me. 

Let me find a timely refuge. 

Lord of love, beneath the shade, 

Shelt'ring wings that shall not weary 
When the tempest doth pervade. 

Even now, the storm it rageth. 
Winds most pitiless they blow, 

Earth refuseth her defences, 
Grief my spirit bendeth low. 



20 BIBLE EVEEGKEENS 

Hope that strove and o'er the sadness 
Held a flickering lamp of light. 

Fainted while we saw it smothered, 
Not to glad again the sight. 

Let me flj, O God, to hide me 
Where the strife shall pass me bj, 

At thy word there shall be stillness, 
Let me, Abba Father, cry.'. 

Send thou, mighty One from heaven, 
Mercy ; envoys too, of power ; 

Let thy truth be found an helmet 
For thy saved, this needful hour. 



" Suffer little children to come unto me." 

Oh favored children thus caress'd, 
In Jesus' arms received and bless'd ; 
The heirs of heaven accepted made. 
His sacred hand in love was laid 
In tenderest mercy on your head, 
"With dews of grace divinely shed. 

Forbid them not to come to Me, 
They are my lambs, and they shall see 
The pastures of my glorious rest. 
Come, little children, come be blest. 
For them I have a high abode — 
The heavenly kingdom of my God. 



FOE CHRISTMAS. 21 



Of such the throng now shelter'd there, 
I make the little ones mj care ; 

bring them on the arms of faith, 
In love the Holj Saviour saith, 

1 will transplant them 'bove the skies. 
To bloom for aje in Paradise. 

The darling flowers — the plants of earth- 
Shall know a new immortal birth ; 
The fairest here, they bloom to die. 
But life — new Life — I will supply. 
O, bring the children to the Lord, 
He will fulfill his gracious word. 



" Zion heard, and was glad." 

Glad news, glad news for Zion ! 

Is floating on the breeze. 
For many a heathen nation 

The heavenly light now sees. 

The isles that deck the ocean. 
The gospel banner hail ; 

They cheer with true devotion. 
And welcome every sail 

That wafts the story-thrilling 
Of our redeeming God, 

And blessed feet most willing 
To press the mountain's sod. 



22 BIBLE EVEEGKEENS 

That come with spirits burning 
To publish pard'ning peace, 

And ardent bosoms yearning 
To bid their idols cease. 

Lo ! on the distant hill-tops, 
. Where mystic altars blaze, 
A new and crystal fountain 
Its healing power displays. 

Rejoice, rejoice. Oh Zion now ! 

See Mercy's chariot rolls ; 
O ! help and early pay the vow, 

Its resting place the poles. 



^\jt gag Bim. 

Light, celestial orbs eclipsing. 
Day-star, in our hearts arise ; 

Spirit of the true adoption. 
Come and bear us to the skies. 

On the wings of faith transport us 
And permit a heavenly view 

Of the Tree of Life there blooming, 
Ever verdant, ever new. 

Glad we hail the blessed tidings 
Of this glorious Eastern Star ; 

Star of hope, of life eternal, 
Radient still in lands afar. 



FOR CHKISTMAS. 23 



Blessed star, thon still art guiding 
Ever with thy quenchless light ; 

From the gloomy vales of darkness 
Thou dispellest death and night. 

Where the reign of sin and terror 
Held an undisputed sway, 

There the brightness of thy rising 
Rends the thickest films away. 

l^ow the dawn of life immortal 
Greets the waiting heatlien eye ; 

God the Father, Son, and Spirit, 
Brings the full salvation nigh. 



§minxBt not tijt f 0rtr. 

'' Why are ye so fearful ?" 

Why are ye so fearful ? 

Sad victim of care ; 
The Lord, the great shepherd, 

His pastures are fair ; 
Besprinkled with manna, 

A daily supply — 
Oh, why are ye fearful ? 

His mercy is nigh. 

Though filled with tlie tempest, 
Be drenched by the storm ; 

He'll smooth the rough waters. 
His word will perform ; 



24 BIBLE EYERGEEENS 

He's reigning in glory, 
He sleepeth no more, 

He's bread for the hungry 
And care for the poor. 

To heirs of salvation 

His tokens of love 
Are angels attendant 

Sent forth from above ; 
Oh, trust in his mercy, 

Obeying his v^^ill ; 
The storms that assail thee, 

He'll bid them " Be still." 



^^ Wobt of €^xmi; 

" Who shall separate us from the love of Christ," 

Oh, triumph in redeeming love. 

Ye children, heirs of grace. 
You're called, and justified, and saved, 

In Heaven you have a place. 

Ah, who is he that may condemn, 

'Tis Christ that died for thee ; 
All things are yours, and freely given, 

The Kingdom you shall see ; 

l^Sij, more, the conqueror's crown, through him, 

Jesus, the Saviour, Lord, 
That fills the mediatorial throne 

Shall be your blest reward. 



FOB CHRISTMAS. 25 



Shall persecution's dread array, 

With all her boasted power, 
Combined with famine, want and pain — 

Dark tribulation's hour, 

Or sin, or death, or aught presume. 

Of all these present things 
To drive the saved, the ransomed soul 

From His kind, shelt'ring wings. 

Oh ! love divine, through Him, the Christ, 

Thou'lt bring us safely home, 
Persuaded by the Spirit's breath 

"We'll fear no things to come. 



" Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you," 

Casting all your care upon Him, 

On the word of Jesus lean ; 
Humbly trusting in his mercy, 

Soon his hand it shall be seen. 

For His sympathizing bosom, 

" Great High Priest," is touched for thee ; 
Though within the vail now entered. 

He thy grief and want will see. 

Once he press'd an earthly pillow. 

Once he wore a thorny crown ; 
And a storm of fierce temptations 

Sought to bend his spirit down. 



26 BIBLE EVEKGEEENS 

Christ that knew of constant sorrows ; 

Made acquainted oft with grief, 
Lives to feel for thy affliction ; 

He will send thee sweet relief. 

Cast thy care, believe and trust Him, 
Watch to know and do" His will, 

You shall find that daily manna 
Lacketh not thy board to fill. ^ 



" The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.'^ 

The Lord that built the heavens- 
And earth's foundation laid, 

He is thy life, thy portion. 

Thy refuge, strength, and shade ; 

Thy helper and redeemer 

From sorrow, sin and wrong ; 

Thy shepherd, friend and keeper, 
Oh, bring a grateful song. 

Come ye before his presence 

- "With oft'ring of his choice — 
The heart, the willing incense, 
Eesponsive to his voice. 

The Lord, he will preserve thee. 

Will set thy spirit free 
From death and sin's dark bondage 

Christ hath atoned for thee. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 27 



Come, now, by faitli relying 
Upon liis holy word; 

Leave all for this inheritance, 
The kingdom of your Lord. 

He is a tower, a shadow, 
A rock, a resting place ; 

He'll shed on thee abundantly 
His free, abounding grace. 



Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,' 

Dost thou find the fetters broke ; 

Bonds of sin their strong control ; 
"Welcome ye the Master's yoke ? 

Answer — hopeful, trusting soul ; 
Dost thou find thy willing heart 

Leaping to obey the call 
Of righteousness, though bid to part 

With hidden idols, one and all ? 
Then the Son hath made you free. 

And we hail thee free, indeed ; 
You by grace the land shall see 

Where the ransomed flock shall feed. 
Led by Him, the Lamb, the Lord, 

Jesus, now the glorified, 
'Tis by his unfailing word 

That with Him ye shall abide. 



28 BIBLE EVEEGREENS 

" The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, and none of them that trust in 
him shall be desolate." 

Servant of the living God, 

If tliy spirit, weary, faints, 
Christ, the mighty to redeem. 

Shields the weakest of his saints. 

Desolation's cheerless shade 

Shall not cross thy pilgrim way ; 
Clouds that gather thick and fast 

Shall not hide the heavenly ray 
Of the Sun of Eight eousn ess, 

Beaming from the fount of light ; 
Sorrow, with her mantle cold. 

May not screen it from thy sight. 

Love divine, it faileth not. 

Though thy flesh, thy heart expire ; 
Soon thy soul among the just 

Shall possess a raptured lyre ; 
Clad in robe prepared of love. 

Shall have entered into rest. 
Where the loudest notes ecstatic 

Are by ransomed ones expressed. 



CIj^ gullmBB oi €^mt 

For it pleased the Father that in him should al]» fullness dwell. 

Fullness of eternal wisdom. 
Fullness of abounding grace. 

Fullness of complete redemption, 
Fullness, too, of lasting peace. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 29 



Dwell in Him, the blessed image 

Of the great Invisible ; 
Son of the eternal Father, 

Transcript of his holy will. 

Fullness of life-giving power, 

Strength of heaven for all the weak, 

Armor for the holy warfare. 

For the helpless, faint and weak. 

Weak in faith and " poor in spirit," 
Servants of this gracious Lord, 

[N'ow the voice of saving mercy 
Calls you to the heavenly board ; 

Bids you to the feast of fullness, 

Ocean of that water pure. 
Love's unmeasured, free salvation. 

Sin's immortal, perfect cure. 

Riches of the full assurance 

Of the hope of life and heaven ; 

Anchor for the trembling vessel 
From his fullness, ready given. 

Knowledge, truth, and love, and mercy. 
Gifts, a free, exhaustless store 

Dwell in Him, the Mediator, 
To dispense to all the poor. 



30 BIBLE EVERGREENS 

" Let all your things be done with charity." 

Let this queen of Christian graces, 
Charity ; her liand supplied 

With her golden, sacred scepter, 
O'er thy walks, thy deeds, preside. 

When the shiv'ring, sorrowing, knocketh- 
Hungry at thy gate — thy door, 

Let her spirit guide thee — teach thee 
IvTot to bid them call no more. 

Let her, when thy brother's bm*den 
Presseth sore, of grief, of care. 

Then sustain thy heart, thy shoulder. 
Joyfully the weight to share. 

Let her voice, of accent holy, 
Unforbidden then be heard, 

If to whelm the weak, the erring. 
Stern reproach may be preferred. 

Charity, her mantle heavenly, 
Shall be found to pardon — hide 

Sins that else to pride were deadly, 
Christ, the robe he did provide. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. * 31 



The great Omnipresent, 

Omnipotent One, 
That settled the mountains 

And fashioned the smi ; 

That spread out the heavens, 
And named all the stars, 

And set for the ocean 
Its bounds and its bars. 

This Lord is my Shepherd, 
'No want shall I know ; 

A faithful, kind shepherd, 
All grace to bestow. 

He is the Jehovah, 

Jehovah alone ; 
I am, is the name 

By which he'll be known. 

The Immortal Invisible, 



God only wise, 
In sacred compassion 
He doth not despise. 

Though highly exalted 
Above all the praise 

That highest archangel 
Or seraphim raise ; 



32 BIBLE EVERGREENS 

From the height of his glory, 
For to condescend, 

To say he's my Shepherd, 
My Father, my Friend. 

Yes, he is a shepherd, 
A shepherd by choice, 

He said that his people 
Would all know his voice. 

By name he would call them, 
And safely wonld lead ; 

Come, follow this shepherd, — 
Yon never shall need. 

Haste, haste to the Rock 
That was smitten for thee ; 

The Eock of all Ages, 
The fountain is free. 

Then come to the well-spring. 
And thirst not again ; 

The shepherd will heal 
All thy sickness and pain. 

Drink, drink of this water. 
And eat of this bread ; 

'Tis heavenly provision. 
The table is spread. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 33 



The drauglit, it is healing, 

Life giving, divine ; 
This proffered salvation, 

Ye doubting, is thine. 

Fly, then, to the refuge, 
Be sheltered, be led — 

The oil of Heaven's gladness 
Shall rest on thy head. 

He leadeth in pastures 
Where evergreens grow, 

And the still and deep waters, 
They cease not to flow. 

You there shall recline 
In the shade of the tree ; 

Tlie shepherd's kind bosom 
Thy pillow shall be. 

The tree by the side 

Of the pure, crystal river 

That springs from the throne 
Of the almighty giver. 

There's life in the fruit 

Which its full branches yield, 
And with its broad leaves 

Shall the nations be healed. 



34 BIBLE EVERGREENS 

The Lord, the Redeemer 
Will surely receive — 

He named the condition, 
'Tisonlj "believe." 



Clouds and darkness are around about him, righteousness and judgment are 
the habitations of his throne." 

Dark, dark indeed the shades that fill 

The way He bids me go ; 
I look for light to do His will ; 

I ask His truth to know. 

Thick clouds portentious gather near, 

And all but cast a vail 
Before the eye of faith, and fear, 

It would my trust assail. 

Ah ! unbelief, begone — I've foimd 

His word — 'tis written fair, 
Though clouds and darkness, they surround. 

The Lord is reigning there. 

Righteous and true he shall be known ; 

His mercy shall appear ; 
"The habitation of His throne" 

Is holy judgment clear. 



FOR CHRISTMAS., 35 



He will preserve my waiting soul ; 

He is exalted high ; 
His power and love are told in song 

By saints above the sky. 

"What heavenly light divine is sown 
For all in heart made pure ; 

I will rejoice in Thee alone, 
Thou blessed refuge sure. 



" Thy word is very pure." 

Thy word is very pure, 
Established ever sure, 
Forever to endure ; 

"We glorify thy name. 
Thy word of truth, of power, 
It cheers the darkest hour, 
Though storms around may lower 

Thy word is still the same. 

Thy blessed word most holy. 
To all the meek and lowly 
A glorious treasure truly, 

The gift, the book divine ; 
The volume richly stored 
"With words of Christ, the Lord, 
By humble hearts adored — 

I call this treasure mine. 



36 ]iIBLE EYEEaUEENS 

This word beyond compare 
Forever may I share, 
And may its truths prepare 

My soul for that abode ; 
Where righteousness and peace abound. 
Pleasures forevermore are found, 
And the redeemed the Lamb surround, 

And praise my Father, God. ' 



f caa, bt Still. 

Fm tempest tossed, on troubled waters ; 

Saviour, if it be Thy will, 
Touch these angry, raging billows. 

Say, in mercy, " Peace, be still." 

J^one but Thee, O gracious Master ! 

Can the tide of ills control ; 
Speak, and winds and waves shall own thee. 

And the surges backward roll. 

Overwhelmed with grief and anguish, 
Sinketh fast this shiv'ring bark ; 

Hopes, they only bloom to vanish ; * 

Gath'ring clouds grow dark, more dark. 

Let me see Thee near approaching, 

With thy peace my spirit fill ; 
Help, and sanctify, and save me ; 

Bid these earthly cares " Be still." 



FOR CHRISTMAS. • 3Y 



Consider the ravens ; 

Kem ember the sparrow ; 
'Twill strengthen- thy faith, 

And wisdom ye'll borrow : 
Go learn of the insect, 

The meanest in dust. 
In God, thy kind Father 

To anchor thy trust ! 

The raven, the sparrow, 

And all he supplies ; 
Every wing of light beauty 

That cleaveth the skies ; 
To them neither treasure 

Or garner is given ; 
Their share and their portion, 

They seek it of Heaven. 

Then fear not, though 

Poverty's vale be thy lot. 
Of price above sparrows , 

Thou'lt ne'er be forgot ; 
The hand that creation 

So fully supplies. 
To children choice favors 

It never denies. 



38 BIBLE EVEKaEEENS 

" The Lord's throne is in heaven." 

God of m J trust, I know thy throne 

Is high — in highest heaven, 
"Where songs, triumphant songs are known 

By ransomed souls forgiven. 

Thy throne of mercy, gracious Lord, 

Is builded on the ground ; 
Established, like thy holy word 

Where life alone is found. 

O Thou most holy, just, and wise. 

Permit my heart to share 
The worship of the npper skies, 

To hold communion there. 

Give me, O Father heavenly, kind, 
This pledge of heavenly things ; 

A will entire to thee resigned, 
Proof that thy spirit brings. 

The earnest of indwelling grace. 

Thy presence and tliy love ; 
The smile of my Pedeemer's face, 

And bear me safe above. 

Give day by day renewing power. 

And sanctify for Thee ; 
My soul entire* for coming hour, 

That I that throne may see. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 39 



|0B in Sjoit0fo. 

" I will be glad, and rejoice in thee." 

O thou most high and holy God, 

I will rejoice in thee, 
Though suif' ring now th}^ chastening rod, 

Thou'rt gracious still to me. 

Thy truth and mercy shall endure 

Forever — evermore ; 
All earthly ills thy love can cure — 

Oh ! blest eternal store. 

Yes, I will glory in the Lord, 

Will be exceeding glad ; 
And joyful in thy heavenly word. 

Though sorrowing, sick, and sad. 

The Lord will be a refuge sure 

For every child of care ; 
Turn now from every earthly lure. 

And life and favor share. 

Go you of every form of grief. 
Approach the Saviour's feet ; 

Forsake your sinful unbelief. 
And mercy shall thee greet. 

Her gifts are promises of peace — 

Of Heaven — immortal rest ; 
Jesus will bid thy anguish cease — 

Make thee supremely blest. 



40 EIBLE EVERGEEENS 

Ulini^tmttg Spirits* 

'Tis written in thy holy word, 
In living lines — I read it plain ; 

That heirs of thy salvation, Lord, 
Angelic ministers obtain. 

In mercy sent — in heavenly love. 
To hold their watch aronnd our rest. 

And point us to the land above — 
How rich ! of such a guide possessed. 

And have I then a guardian sent ? 

Then will I yield no more to doubt ; 
I know a hand unseen was lent 

To lead from threatening dangers out. 

O thou my guardian angel fair ! 

Thy wing untiring grant to wave ; 
Forsake me not, but safely bear, 

Away beyond the grave. 



"He will ever be mindful of his covenant." 

His everlasting covenant 

Of mercy, truth, and grace ; 
Of peace, and life, and blessedness, 

With all the ransomed race — 
Shall never be forgotten. 

But present with the Lord, 
Who ever will be mindful 

Of his most holy word. 



FOE CHRISTMAS. 41 



His promises of power, 

To all who ask liis care ; 
A never failing lielj^er, 

And bread a daily share; 
He never will forget thee — 

Thy God the word hath spoke : 
His own eternal covenant, 

It never can be broke. 



P0p^ antr Crw^t. 

" For in thee, O Lord, do I hope." 

My hope, O Lord, is anchored, 
All sure, within the vail ; 

I trust thy precious promises 
Though dangers thick assail. 

Tlie waves of fierce temptation 
Besiege my trembling soul ; 

But, Lord, thou wilt control them- 
Wilt bid tliem backward roll. 

I know, O blessed Jesus, 
Thou'lt suffer but the share 

That with thy grace sustaining 
I may triumphant bear. 

thou that knew temptation 
In all its varied power — 

1 crave thy kind assistance 
In this portentous hour. 



42 BIBLE EVERGEEEI^S 



O give me now tlie vict'rv, 

Be pleased to set me free ; 
Thy name shall have the glory, 

Thou holy One in Three. 

" Quicken me after thy loving Icindness." 

God, I ask thy quick'ning grace, 
In its renewing power ; 

Thy blessed promises I trace, 
But clouds around me lower ; 

Come, Holy Spirit, shed thy light — 
My faith is weak — I need — 

1 ask thy help ; my prayer indite, 
Blest Saviour, intercede. 

My heart is dark, and hard, and cold. 

Beset by doubts and fear ; 
Come, heavenly Dove, thy wing now fold 

Around my soul to cheer ; 
Thy loving kindness never fails. 

But, oh ! this unbelief 
My hope, my trust, my faith assails. 

Dear Saviour, send relief. 

According to thy holy word 

So loving, heavenly, kind ; 
Come, sanctify my spirit. Lord, 

And help me now to find 
In thee the refuge of my soul, 

A shelter from the storm ; 
The waves of unbelief that roll. 

And fears of every form. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 43 



Waiting 011 i\it f ortr, 

" Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me." 

Though walkhag now where grief and tears 

My fearful steps surround ; 
And where no earthly comfort cheers 

The hopeless, barren ground ; 
AYhere troubles, like an angry storm. 

Unbidden, round me rise, 
And thick'ning mists of fear transform 

My fainting hope — that dies ; — 
I know, O thou my heavenly friend — 

My Father — gracious, kind. 
Thou wilt in mercy deign to send 

Some angel hand to bind 
This spirit, that was doomed to break 

"When sorrow's power was shed. 
Unsparing, for thy name's dear sake 

On this poor, aching head ; 
Thy word shall bid each cloud remove — 

E'en now, through the disguise, 
I see a token of thy love 

That yields my soul supplies ; 
Sweet mem'ries of thy faithful hand 

Come round me w^hile I weep ; 
Ranged as a true, unyielding band 

Of sentinels, to keep 
Their watch, there by the gloomy way 

"Where impious unbelief 



44 BIBLE EVERGREENS 

Would claim the sceptre, and display 
Her banner, d^^ed with grief; 

Thou wilt nay languid faith inspire; 
With joy my cup wilt fill ; 

Revive and tune my saddened lyre 
Accordant with thy will. 



Pealing m^rtg. 

" He hath heard my voice, and my supplication." 

The Lord my prayer hath heard, 
Hath lent his gracious ear ; 

In honor of his name, his word, 
I now record it here. 

'Twas when o'erwhelmed with fear, 
And sinking near the grave, 

He came, the gracious Helper near. 
In pity came to save. 

My supplicating voice 

Sought not His ear in vain ; 

In life I now rejoice. 

Although to die were gain. 

To die in Him, who died — 
It were the dawn of day ; 

He hath death's power defied. 
The vict'ry borne away. 

The tomb his servants share 
Is sacred, hallowed ground ; 

All that his image bear 
By angels shall be found. 



FOK CHKISTMAS. 45 



Be gather' d with that band — 
The ransomed that surround 

The throne in that blest land 
Where joy and peace abound. 

Down by the swelling surge 
Of Jordan's darksome tide — 

Just on the trembling verge, 
My journey lay beside. 

Long by the lonely stream 
That laves this barren shore, 

My watchful spirit caught a beam 
On seraph pinions bore ; 

A ray of that bless'd light 
That gilds the blissful plain ; 

It did my soul invite 
Away from sin and pain. 

It was my choice to stay, 
Though heavenly gain to go ; 

My loved ones by the way, 
Still on my heart, I know 

By heavenly hand were laid — 
They begg'd me tarry still ; 

I sought His gracious aid — 
I ask'd to know his will. 

It was his will to spare ; 

I bless his healing hand ; 
His goodness now I see. 

Here in this living land. 



46 BIBLE EVEEGEEENS 

" I have trusted in thy mercy." 

I have trusted in thy mercy, 
I have gloried in thy grace ; 

Shall this trust be unavailing — 
Shall I seek in vain thy face. 

Long, not long wilt thou forget me, 
Thou in mercy wilt appear 

To dispel these storms thick gath'ring, 
Thou the darkest skies can&t clear. 

I have trusted in thy mercy. 
Found thy name a sure defense ; 

Ever present to defend me ; 
Unbelief thou'lt banish hence ! 

I believe, and I will trust thee — 
Help, O help my unbelief; 

Known but unto thee, O Father, 
Each mysterious source of grief. 

All-sufficient, gracious helper. 

Speak, and end the causeless strife ; 

Present help in time of trouble — 
Thou the way, the truth, the life. 

Early called to love and praise thee. 
And to find thy promise sure ; 

I shall see thy hand revealed, 
Covenant mercy shall endure. 



I 

FOR CHRISTMAS. 47 



Rejoice, and evermore rejoice, 
If you have made the better choice ; 
Glory in free grace, free grace. 
Heaven shall be your dwelling place. 

Evermore rejoice in love, 
You "Our Father's" care shall prove; 
Joy, and bless the favor'd day 
That he turned thy feet away 

From the paths of death and sin. 
Bade thee seek, and saw thee win 
Heaven's immortal, priceless gem, 
An everlasting diadem. 

More pure than all of earthly mold, 
Than diamond's sheen, or finest gold, 
The "Hidden Pearl;" 'tis free to all 
That meekly for the treasure call. 

Rejoice, the days are on the wing ; 
Soon with sainted choirs you'll sing : 
In Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
Joy and rejoice, and ever boast. 



48 BIBLE EYEEGEEENS 



'' I know ye seek Jesus." 

Fear not, you're seeking Jesus, 

The Saviour crucified ; 
I know you're seeking, sorrowing, 

The loving Lamb who died. 

He lives again — he's risen ; 

Behold, they laid him here ! 
I know you're seeking Jesus — 

You may dismiss your fear. 

Go, quick, and tell your brethren 
He's risen from the dead : 

Still seek and follow Jesus, 
The Christ — the living Head. 

Behold the open sepulchre, 
Their watch the angels keep, 

And all who sleep in Jesus 
Will find it precious sleep. 

l^ow death has lost the vict'ry. 
The grave has lost its gloom ; 

Oh, seek and know the Yictor, 
He'll bring thee from the tomb. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 49 



" I will rejoice in thy salvation." 

Oil ! thou mighty God of Jacob — 
Strength of Zion — if thy will, 

Hear us in our day of trouble, 
Our petitions now fulfill. 

From thy sanctuary send us 
Thy refreshing, cheering grace ; 

In the name of Christ, our offering, 
These our prayers to thee we raise. 

We no other trust desire, 

Than remembrance of thy power ; 
From thy holy heaven assist us. 

Let this be thy favor' d hour. 

We'll rejoice in thy salvation, 
"We will glory in thy word ; 

In thy name our banners raising. 
Shout thy praise, victorious Lord. 



" My grace is sufficient for thee." 

Grace, all-sufficient, heavenly grace- 
And is this promise mine ? 

Is it for all that seek thy face, 
Blest Jesus, thus to find 



50 BIBLE EVEKGEEENS 

A never failing, gracious store ? 

A heavenly treasure filled ! 
Blessings descending evermore, 

Profusely round distilled. 

Oh, highly favor' d, sacred hour, 

That fixed my happy choice ; 
That witness'd thy redeeming power, 

In which I now rejoice ; 
All glory to thy precious name, 

Thanks to thy pard'ning love, 
Thanks to the Holy Spirit's flame 

That came the word to prove. 

There's all-sufficient, mighty grace, 

For every time of need, 
In Christ, the safe abidmg place — 

Oh heavenly, glorious meed ! 
From storms of danger, death, and strife, 

Ye win the soul away ; 
From scenes with gath'ring ills most rife, 

To hopes of perfect day. 



" O God, thou hast taught me from my youth." 

Father in heaven, thy gracious hand 

Hath led me all the way ; 
In childhood's hour — in youth's frail morn, 

Thou wast my hope, my stay. 



FOK CHRISTMAS. 61 



Taught by thy word, thy spirit's voice, 

I learned thy name to fear ; 
To trust thy blessed promises, 

And found a helper near. 

When by thy faithful, chast'ning rod. 

My heart was well subdued, 
Thy reconciling love alone 

Hath all my soul renewed. 

When clouds were gath'ring thick, to pour 

The storm to overwhelm 
The trembling bark — a whisper spake, 

" Thy pilot's at the helm ! " 

Fear not, he walks upon the wave ; 

He'll bid its fury cease ; 
He came — allayed the threat'ning surge ; 

Commanded — there was peace. 



^ueittl^ itot il^t Spirit. 

" Quench not the spirit." 

Oh ! quench not the spirit. 

The spirit to thee. 
Like the dove, ever gentle. 

To light or to flee — 

Is seeking to win thee, 
Permit the kind guest, 

Now welcome his visits — 
Allow him to rest. 



62 BIBLE EVEKGEEENS 

Most fondly he's hovering, 
Oh, bid him good cheer ; 

He'll guide thee, and guard thee, 
Protect thee from fear. 

His visits are heavenly, 
He comes to explain 

The word of the Father, 
And Son that was slain. 

If fearful, if faithless. 

In danger to stray. 
With kindness he'll lead thee, 

And point thee the way. 

And level the mountains, 
Or storms that arise ; 

And fill all thy soul 
With grateful surprise. 

Quench, quench not the spirit, 

O may he abide — 
This heavenly, blest comforter, 

Jesus supplied. 

He said he would send him, 
And he should reveal, 

And on the Atonement 
Would set his own seal. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 63 



His earnest, mysterious, 
The seal of the Lord, 

The faithful, true witness. 
Confirms the record — 



Of God, ever faithful, 
Who finished — begun — 

The perfect redemption 

Wrought through the blest Son. 



" For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 

What, oh, what, shall ever harm 
You that trust the heavenly arm ? 
Dwelling in "the secret place," 
Presence of the God of grace. 

What can harm thee — bid thee fear i 
Ever sheltered — ever near. 
Shadowed by the lasting rock, 
Which defends — protects the flock. 

He will guard thy life, thy breath ; 
Shield thee from the shafts of death, 
When in terror's dark array ; 
Dread destruction walks by dav- 



54 BIBLE EVEKaREENS 



When the deadly damps, they fall, 
Gath'ring round the fatal pall ; 
When dire pestilence, her hand 
Kaises, with remorseless wand, 

God will there defend thy head, 
And a covert for thee spread ; 
*^ Give his angels charge to keep" 
All thy walks by day — thy sleep. 

Jesus made thy soul his care ; 
He hath broke the "fowler's snare ;" 
" He hath set his love on thee," 
Thou shalt his salvation see. 



^t fal^ of life. 

" Thou wilt show me the path of life." 

My God, my all-sufficient guide, 
On thee my soul is staid ; 

I ask no other arm beside, 

]>raught but thy hand for shade. 

Thou art the shadow of the Rock 
Here in this weary land ; 

The tender shepherd of that flock 
That bless thy faithful hand. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 55 



I know thou'lt lead, wilt guide secure, 

Wilt show the holy way — 
The path of life, so bright aud pure, _ 

That leads to perfect day. 

The heavenly way, O make it plain 
Before my wavering sight ; 

And let not all my hopes be vain. 
But deign my name to write — 

With all the truly sanctified 
Who walk with God below, 

In that blest book thou didst provide 
For them — thy love who know. 

Though here beset with fears, with sin, 

A dang'rous, thorny road. 
Through Thee I shall the vict'ry win, 

Oh Christ, my Saviour, God. 



Knfoabmng Crust. 

" Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will 
show you to-day." 

Distrust, in pall of anguish. 
Has wrapped the Hebrew host, 

They meet the deep, deep waters, 

They've reached the verge — the coast, 

The oppressor now is hasting — 
His chariots are near, 



56 BIBLE EYEEGBEENS 

And hope no more the sadness 

Presumes to light — to cheer ; 
The apathetic mountains, 

A pass they now deny, 
And faith, her drooping pinions 

Are found too weak to try ! 
Know, Israel, thy helper, 

God of the wave, the hill ; 
Fear not, but wait before him. 

In holy trust be still ; 
• ' His arm shall bring salvation, 

You shall deliverance see ; 
The Lord, he hath descended, 

His hand hath made thee free. 



" His mercy endureth forever." 

Oh ! bless the glorious giver, 
He will forsake thee never, 
His mercy endureth forever ; 

Now bless and praise the Lord ; 
His wisdom is unbounded, 
With care he hath surrounded, 
Our faith, it is well founded, 

Secure upon his word. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 57 



In heaven he ever reigneth. 

His mighty hand sustaineth, 

And his power and truth remaineth 

His favors, they are showers, 
He is our rock, most sure, 
Forever to endure. 
The holy, just, and pure. 

This gracious God is ours. 

His grace, it faileth never. 
Of life the well — the river, 
And strong for to deliver 

From every form of ill ; 
Oh, ever adore and trust him. 
And never, no, never, distrust him. 
But bring a grateful anthem, 

Come, seek and do his will. 

He's mercy for every nation, 
Of highest or lowest station. 
He off'reth to all salvation, 

In Christ, the glorious way 
That leads direct to heaven. 
Where golden harps are given, 
To all the new arriven, 

There in the realms of day. 



Glory to God, the highest, 
"Who mercy ne'er denyeth, 
But evermore supplieth 
The living, that pervade 



58 BIBLE EYEEGREENS 

The ocearij earth, and air, 
And heavenly regions fair. 
For with a father's care 
Provision he hath made. 

The raven and the sparrow, 
They fear not for to-morrow ; 
Come, every child of sorrow, 

You have a mighty friend ; 
Come, if thy lot be dreary, 
If sick, or sad, or weary. 
Come, and the Lord will cheer thee, 

Will mercy on thee send. 



All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his 
commandments." 

Mercy paves thy pilgrim pathway, 
Drawn by the paternal hand. 

Traveler, ye that now revereth 
Heaven — its law — its high commands. 

Truth, her lamp, it waneth never 
For thee ; — if it seem to fade, 
, KnoWj thou erring, weak believer, 
From its light thy foot hath strayed. 

Mercy, with her gracious chalice, 
Walketh, watcheth all the day ; 

Truth hath made her habitation 
Ever in the narrow way. 



FOE CHRISTMAS. 59 



All without is fearful ! — fearful ! 

Darkness, fatal, reigus to hide 
Lurking snares of death and danger 

"Which the foe, he hath supplied. 



e ^xl0t m ^itnm. 



" Then he arose, and rebuked the winds, and the raging of the water, and they 
ceased, and there was a calm." 

Oh, fearful ! the winds and the waves are at war, 

The watchful their vigils still keep, 
But blind unbelief the vision would mar. 

And lull the lost sinner to sleep. 

See mercy's bright beacon, with heaven-kindled ray, 

Is lighted to guide and to cheer ; 
There's anchorage ground in yon placid bay, 

Where moorings are safe from all fear. 

Death's dark, low'ring tempest, is gathering near, 

Its surges you may not control, 
Now the ship, the blest Gospel, it speaks the most clear. 

Ho ! welcome this life-boat, sad soul. 

Oh, sinner, poor sinner, that harbor is free, 

Look forth to the eternal shore ; 
You ne'er shall be stranded — a Pilot you'll see, 

The life-boat, 'twill take you safe o'er. 



60 BIBLE EYEEGEEENS 

'Twill bear thee aloft, though billows swell high, 

And fill thee with fear and dismay ; 
They may threaten thy bark, and ascend to the sky, 

But the life-boat — 'tis safe — yon're away. 

The Pilot is Jesus, that walked on the wave ; 

Who spake, and the storm it was o'er ; 
He'll bring thee to port— he's mighty to save, 

And your anchor shall drag nevermore. 



Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things 
not seen." 

The things now hid from mortal ken, 

Within the vail, on high. 
Faith, with her vision, ever sheen, 

Alluringly brings nigh ; 
Substantial as the gracious throne 

Evinced divinely clear. 
The proofs she ever deigns to bring 

The child of God to cheer. 

Of that eternal, blest abode. 

Port of the perfect rest 
Where all the ransomed of the Lord 

Forever shall be blest ; 
Shall drink from that immortal fount, 

Life's pnre, unfailing spring ; 
Oh, faith divine, what rays of bliss 

Illume thy hand — thy wing. 



FOE CHRISTMAS. 61 



'Twas by thy sanctifying light 

Prophets and elders found 
The paths of truth and righteousness 

On this low, barren ground ; 
Obedient to thy kindly voice, 

Their ever-watchful ear 
Received the mandate of the word 

Proclaimed so timely near. 

'Tis through the medium held by thee 

We know this world so bright, 
Came at the call of sovereign power 

From dark, chaotic night ; 
The orbs that through the ether fields 

Roll their unwearied round. 
The valid witness of their birth 

Alone by thee is found. 

Framed by the word of God alone, 

Designed by heavenly skill. 
Thou hast the mirror where we trace 

The signet of his will, 
Embodied in that mandate loud. 

Immutable and clear — 
Decree that said, "Let there be light," 

That bade each star appear. 

The heaven-accepted sacrifice. 
The ofi''ring that was brought. 

Type of the sanctifying flood, 
By faith was fully fraught ; 



62 BIBLE EVEEGEEENS 

The excellence of that perfume 
That reached the highest throne, 

With righteous Abel's orison — 
It was by faith alone. 

God, by his own indwelling power, 

This testimony gave, 
That faith can find, can bring the gift 

That claims the grace to save ; 
Wisdom, and everlasting love, 

Pleased with the nectarine. 
Bestrewed this altar — early reared, 

With favors all divine. 

Death, with his arrow pointed drawUy 

Abashed, retires to see. 
The mantle holy Enoch wore — 

The garb bestowed by thee ; 
Faith, hand-maid of the heavenly king, 

Who kindly deigned to spread 
The panoply of paradise 

To guard his waiting head. 

A passport robe of righteousness, 

Helmet — impervious mail ; 
Dress of such resurrection hue 

As they beyond the vale 
Of pain, and sin, and care, and grief, 

In bliss, forever wear ; 
'Twas thine his walk with God to see, 

Thou led'st him safely there. 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 63 



Without thy all-sufficient aid, 

That road may not be found, 
That upward path, the paved highway, 

Where life and peace abound ; 
Recipients of that rich reward — 

The crown of life — of heaven, 
To thee, O Faith, great polar star, 

Their helm below had given. 

Relying on the Saviour's word, 

Thy children, heirs of rest, 
Whose glorious inheritance 

Is found a portion blest ; 
Attracted by the shining coast, 

They launch the fearless bark, 
With thee o'er rough and angry seas, 

Braved threat'ning billows dark. 

We see thy architectural skill 

High on the deluge flood, 
That merged a sin-polluted world — 

Long suffered ; — warned of God ; 
Heir of thy own wrought righteousness, 

He saw the fabric rise. 
Where unbelief profaned the Lord, 

His threat'nings dared despise. 

Moved by the hand of filial fear 
He builded ; watchful long ; 

A refuge from the verging storm. 
That whelmed the scoffing throng ; 



64 BIBLE EVERaEEENS 

Faith, miglity helper of the past, 

Supporter of the low. 
The fruit of every precious growth, 

'Tis thine to nurse, to sow. 

When Abraham, servant of the Lord, 

The ancient call received, 
'Twas by thy consecrating charm 

The promise he believed ; 
A stranger, pilgrim ; heavenward bound, 

To thee a willing hand, 
'Gave — and thou leadest all the way, 

And cheered in distant land. 



" I will arise, and go to my father." 

I'll leave this land of want and care, 

I will arise, and go ; 
I'm perishing with hunger here, 

Where none will pity show ; 
This land, the witness of my sin. 

My servitude and shame ; 
My Father's pardon I would win, 

I'll own my guilt and blame ; 
Just as I am, I'll seek his face — 

He 's bread, and that to spare ; 
I'll only ask a servant's place, 

Mav I but shelter share : 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 65 



I'll tell him how this spirit writhed 
Beneath the frown of heaven, 

Its anguish when the cup received, 
In righteous judgment given. 

The tender, fond, paternal eye, 

That watched his coming long, 
It doth the contrite one descry. 

Forgets, forgives his wrong ; 
Compassion, tenderness and love, 

The Father's heart divide. 
He meets no more the haughty brow 

That once his hand defied, 
But floods of true, repentant tears. 

From heart subdued, sincere, 
Kepay the Father's injured breast — 

The lost is doubly dear ; 
His tattered garments, worn -and soiled, 

The choicest robes misplace. 
And hands that sought the humblest toil, 

Most costly rings they grace. 

Now mirth and music rich abound, 
With haste the feast is spread ; 

For this, the long-lost son is found, 
Alive, as from the dead. 

So, when a sinner turns to God, 

"With angels there is joy, 
And all in the divine abode 

Their golden harps employ. 



66 



BIBLE EVERGREENS 



^' Wisdom is better than rubies." 

Above all price of ruble mine, 
The pearls of heavenly wisdom shine ; 
Oh, who their beauties ere would dare 
To prize; — with aught of earth compare ; 
Her voice is heard throughout the waste 
In words most excellent and chaste, 
She loves to call, to win the youth. 
Her lamp will guide in paths of truth. 

jSTow, list to her, she will impart, 

A wise and understanding heart. 

Her lips, they drop with prudence sweet. 

Where light and grace together meet ; 

Her dwelling-place is hung around 

With flowers of knowledge, heavenly ground. 

She beck'neth to her glorious shrine. 

All radiant with a light divine", 

A counsellor forever near 

When fainting hope would yield to fear ; 

A shelter from the woes and strife 

That strew the cloudy path of life. 

By her the righteous scepter'd hand, 
The kingly crown may bless the land, 
And princes, too, inspired may wave. 
By strength of wisdom, scepters brave ; 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 67 



Her love is overflowing, free, 
A well of life it sure shall be. 
And tliey tliat early seek shall find 
Its sacred waters w^ell refined. 



Riclies and honors, they abound, 

Where'er her gentle steps are found, 

Riches most durable and rare. 

Of righteousness divinely fair ; 

Her fruit with gold she'll not compare. 

Her revenue we all may share, 

The choicest silver — diamonds bright 

But fade before her brilliant light ; 

She leads the way — this perfect guide, 

She'll see thy treasures well supplied. 

Then yield to her thy heart, thy love, 

Her ark will bear thee safe above 

To heaven, her throne, where high she dwelt. 

And angels at her foot-stool knelt. 

Before Jehovah's mighty hand 

Had set to earth such beauties bland. 

And spread the fountains of the deep 
Where hidden diamonds silent sleep ; 
She held her counsels far on high, 
Away beyond the ethereal sky ; 
When God, with infinite display 
From chaos called and blest the day, 



68 BIBLE EVERGREENS 

And strewed the azure vault, so clear, 
"With sparkling orbs, to grace, to cheer ; 
"With God, the ever-living God, 
Wisdom the holy pavements trod, 
Ever rejoicing in his sight. 
Wisdom is truly " God's delight." 

Oh, harken to her lovely voice. 
Make her thy early, happy choice ; 
You, in the blushing morn of days, 
For blest are they that keep her ways. 
The wisdom of God's ways and word, 
Wisdom of Christ, our risen Lord, 
But if we scorn and hate the right, 
We love the road to deathless night. 



Cl^aritg ^^^mplifetr. 



Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will deliver him in 
time of trouble." 



LADY. 

Oh, frown not on the beggar girl, 

Haste not to close the door, 
You may not know the anguish 

That wrings that bosom's core ; 
She may, in grief and sadness, 

ISTow feel the orphan's woe, 
Or weep, her faithful loved ones 

By sickness now laid low. 



FOR ClIKISTMAS. 



Go, quicklj, haste, and call her, 

Go ask her to come in ; 
To treat the poor so rudely 

'Tis fearful, deadly sin ! 
'Tis late, and cold, and dreary, 

And falling fast the snow. 
Oh, mercy, pity, charity. 

How could you tell her, no ? 

Come in, poor little stranger. 

Come, sit here by the fire ; 
You're wet, and cold, and weary 

Permit me to inquire — 
I am your friend ; come, tell me. 

Why you must ask for bread ? 
I fear those tears that blind you 

Are by an orphan shed ? 

CHILD. 

I am, my dear, kind lady, 

Half-orphan — as they say, 
And I feared my only parent. 

She would have died to-day ; 
He's ill, my eldest brother, 

And I must hasten home, 
I left the children hungry — 

They'll watch to see me come. 

LADY. 

Just stop a moment, daughter, 
"We'll send our man with you ; 

He'll help you with your basket. 
And take another, too. 



YO 



BIBLE EVERGREENS 



Oh, Father of the Fatherless, 
Though joyful to receive, 

It is thy promised blessedness 
When we thy poor relieve. 



TO A SISTER. 

" For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that sleep 
in Jesus will God bring with him." 

Dear sister, take this flower. 

It grew on hallowed ground; 
With trembling hand I plucked it 

From off that sacred mound ; 
The grave, where late our mother, 

We laid with hoj)e so rife ; 
In Him, the resurrection — 

Who said — " I am the life." 

A little vine, with tendi-ils, 

Had wound it round and round ; 
Half hidden by the branches. 

This lovely flower I found ; 
No hand, I knew, had planted it, 

'No tear had there bedewed ; 
It grew so wild and lonely 

In that deep solitude. 

' I thought, perhaps, to class it^ 
To find for it a name ; 
That Flora might interpret, 
Or tell from whence it came ; 



FOR CHRISTMAS. 71 



But vain were my researches, 
This modest flower, so meek ! 

'Tis filial love shall name it — 
We'll call it Flower Unique, 

I know, with me, you'll cherish it, 

It was the first to bloom ; 
The first to hold sad vigil 

By onr loved mother's tomb ; 
To cast its fragrant tribute 

Above our honored dead. 
To cheer the desolation 

Where many tears were shed. 

Though nameless, 't has a language — 

It speaks with wondrous power ; 
Though silent, soft, and voiceless, 

The language of a flower. 
It has, indeed, a diction, 

The eye of faith may read ; 
It adds a line — a precept, 

Such as we ever need. 

It tells us 'twas Infinity, 

That planted there the vine ; 
'Twas God who taught the tendrils 

Around the sod to twine ; 
That He who called the flowret, 

From earth, so pure and fair. 
Will not forget his covenant — 

He knows the sleeper there. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

A Saviour which is Christ the Lord 3 

Let there be Light 4 

The Unrejected Offering 5 

A Precious Promise 6 

The Resurrection and the Life 7 

With Christ is Paradise 8 

The Many Mansions 9 

Free Indeed 10 

God is Love 11 

Salvation of the Lord 12 

Our Advocate 13 

He Loved them to the end 14 

The Beauty of Holiness 15 

My Strength and my Redeemer 17 

Wait on the Lord 17 

Heavenly Care 18 

Compassed by Heavenly Favor 19 



I will Cry unto God 

The Children's Blessing. 

Glad News 

The Day-Star 

Distrust not the Lord. . . 



19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

The Love of Christ 24 



Our High Priest 

The Lord thy Shade 

The Servants of Righteousness. 

Redemption 

The Fullness of Christ 

Heaven-born Charity 

The Lord is my Shepherd 



25 



Clouds Dissolving . 

Purity of the Word 

Peace, be Still 

Consider the Ravens 

I The Established Throne. . . 

( Joy in Sorrow 

j Ministering Spirits 

i The Covenant of Grace 

Hope and Trust. 

; Quickening Grace 

I Waiting on the Lord 

Healing Mercy 

Mercy, our Trust 

: Rejoice Evei-more 

: Seeking Jesus 

I The Strength of Zion 

All-sufficient Grace 

! Divine Teaching 

1 Quench not the Spirit 

The Charge of Angels 

The Path of Life 

Unwavering Trust 

Unfailing Mercy 

Paths of Mercy and Truth, 

The Pilot is Jesus 

Faith , 

The Prodigal 

Heavenly Wisdom 

Charity Exemplified 

A Flower Unique 



PAGE 

.. 34 
.. 35 



37 



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